The judge presiding over urgent matters issued a temporary suspension of the regular congress planned to renew the UNJCI’s governing bodies, following a motion filed by a group claiming to uphold legal compliance. The UNJCI leadership promptly announced an appeal against this ruling.
Emergency measures to prevent institutional disruption
With the statutory deadline for the mandate expiration set for February 26 at midnight, the UNJCI swiftly organized an extraordinary congress on February 25. Under the organization’s regulations, delegates cast their votes to extend the mandates until the regular congress could convene as originally intended. This decision ensured continuity and prevented a potential institutional void.
Post-vote tensions escalated into violent clashes, underscoring the heightened political and social strain surrounding the situation.
Statements from key figures
Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, stated:
We have acknowledged the court’s decision to suspend our 12th regular congress, while pursuing an appeal. However, allowing a statutory gap to emerge would have severely compromised the integrity of our organization. The mandate extension approved during the extraordinary congress was a responsible choice to preserve institutional stability. The UNJCI is the shared foundation of Ivorian journalists; it cannot be weakened nor placed under external control.
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the FAJ, emphasized:
Blocking a union from convening to renew its leadership and then attempting to exploit the situation to create an institutional vacuum is a blatant violation of trade union freedom. This contradicts Côte d’Ivoire’s commitments under African and international labor standards. No political authority holds the right to select or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization.
Anthony Bellanger, Secretary General of the FIJ, added:
This constitutes a severe breach of the right to freedom of association and a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of a union. Together with the FAJ, we will pursue formal complaints with relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to hold the Ivorian government accountable for these abuses. The autonomy of trade unions is safeguarded by international law and is non-negotiable.
Call for respect and dialogue
The FIJ and FAJ urge Ivorian authorities to uphold the independence of the UNJCI, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate the organization of the regular congress in an environment that is free, transparent, and conducive to constructive dialogue.
